Of course, I said nothing; I never do in such cases.

But--this morning I had breakfast in bed." He spoke with eyes half closed and an odd vibration of the upper lip, then broke into a laugh.
"You're an independent party, you are," said Mrs.Bubb, eyeing him with admiration.
"It was always more than I could do to stand a hint of that kind.

Not so long ago I used to lose my temper, but I've taken pattern by Polly--I mean Miss Sparkes--and now I do it quietly.

That reminds me"-- his look changed to seriousness--"do you know anyone of the name of Quodling ?" Polly--to whom he spoke--answered with a dry negative.
"Sure?
Try and think if you ever heard your uncle speak of the name." The girl's eyes fell as if, for some reason, she felt a momentary embarrassment.

It passed, but in replying she looked away from Mr.
Gammon.
"Quodling?
Never heard it--why ?" "Why, there is a man called Quodling who might be your uncle's twin brother--he looks so like him.